Finding the right real estate agent involves researching local professionals with experience in your target neighborhoods, checking their credentials and reviews, interviewing multiple agents, and assessing their communication style and market knowledge. Look for an agent who listens to your needs, has a strong track record, and with whom you feel comfortable working. At HOMZ, our agents combine local expertise with personalized service to help you achieve your real estate goals.

When viewing homes, pay attention to the property's structural integrity, age and condition of major systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical), layout functionality, natural lighting, storage space, and neighborhood characteristics. Consider both your current needs and future plans. Take notes and photos during viewings, and don't hesitate to schedule second visits for properties you're seriously considering. Our agents can help identify potential issues and opportunities that might not be immediately obvious.

Determining your home buying budget involves analyzing your income, expenses, savings, credit score, and future financial goals. As a general rule, housing costs (mortgage, taxes, insurance) should not exceed 28-30% of your gross monthly income. Consider getting pre-approved for a mortgage to understand your borrowing capacity. Remember to account for down payment, closing costs, moving expenses, and potential renovation costs. Our financial advisors can help you create a realistic budget tailored to your specific situation.

A home inspection is a thorough examination of a property's condition by a qualified professional. It's important because it identifies any existing or potential issues with the home's structure, systems, and components. A good inspection covers the foundation, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more. This information helps you make an informed decision, negotiate repairs or price adjustments, and avoid unexpected expenses after purchase. We recommend never skipping this crucial step in the home buying process.

Closing costs are fees and expenses you pay when finalizing a home purchase, typically ranging from 2% to 5% of the loan amount. These costs include lender fees (application, origination, credit report), third-party fees (appraisal, title search, inspection), prepaid expenses (property taxes, homeowners insurance), and potentially mortgage points. The exact amount varies based on your location, lender, and loan type. We provide our clients with a detailed closing cost estimate early in the process to avoid surprises at closing.

Pre-qualification is an initial assessment of your income, debt, and credit score to give you an estimate of how much you might be able to borrow. It's a quick and informal process that can often be done online or over the phone. Pre-approval, on the other hand, is a more thorough evaluation where the lender verifies your financial information and credit history. Pre-approval involves submitting documentation and provides a specific loan amount, which can make you a more attractive buyer to sellers. We recommend getting pre-approved before beginning your home search.